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2023 State Sanitary Code Changes Bring 10 New Requirements, Including Landlord Availability

First Published December 27th, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023

This is a screenshot of a portion of the new State Sanitary Code with changes highlighted and tracked. The revisions tab to the left of the document shows 3,831 revisions.

Proposed updates to 105 CMR 410 include how often landlords must be available to renters, new requirements for chronic dampness and changes to which appliances must be in-unit.

Is it Legal to Charge Pet Rent or a Pet Deposit for Tenants with Animals?

First Published December 23rd, 2022 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 3 Comments

This is a cartoon of a cheerful white puppy dog with mud on its paws sitting in an apartment with blue walls and hardwood floors. The door behind him has a hole in it from chewing, and the trim around the doors is chewed up. Mud is all over the floor.

Case law in Massachusetts suggests pet rent is probably okay, but a separate pet deposit may be unlawful.

MassLandlords’ Good Neighbor Award Promotes Community Connection

First Published April 1st, 2020 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

We are continuously accepting Good Neighbor Award nominations to shine a light on community connection and our shared mission to create better rental housing.

How to Get a Property Tax Abatement for a Rental Income Property in Massachusetts

First Published March 3rd, 2020 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

A time-consuming property tax abatement process could mean tax savings for your rental income property.

Freakonomics Looks at the Problem of Rent Control

First Published January 24th, 2020 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Rent control in major cities is a big problem with a complex solution

Can a Landlord Put Professional Cleaning Fees in a Lease?

First Published February 6th, 2023 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 11 Comments

This photograph shows an empty room with a beige carpet and white walls and ceiling. One wall has a window with blinds that are partially open, the wall opposite it appears to have a mirrored closet door.

Security deposit law says you cannot deduct from the security deposit for reasonable wear and tear, but can you charge your tenants for cleaning after they move out?

New Proposed Sanitary Code Changes Include Fridges, Mold Control

First Published January 9th, 2020 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Proposed changes to the state sanitary code could impact landlords across Massachusetts.

Changes to Sanitary Code ask Homeless Shelters to Wash Blankets, Increase Sleeping Space

First Published January 7th, 2020 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Proposed changes to the state sanitary code would bring shelters closer to private housing, viewed as big hurdles.

Should I Have My Rental’s Common Areas on Their Own Electric Meter?

First Published July 7th, 2021 | Updated April 13th, 2023 Posted in News - 5 Comments

While legal under certain circumstances, having adjacent units pay for common-area electricity can cause headaches for landlords

Davis v Comerford

First Published May 10th, 2019 | Updated April 13th, 2023

The SJC case Davis v Comerford decides whether Massachusetts courts have the authority to escrow rent in landlord tenant disputes.

2023 State Sanitary Code Changes Bring 10 New Requirements, Including Landlord Availability

Is it Legal to Charge Pet Rent or a Pet Deposit for Tenants with Animals?

MassLandlords’ Good Neighbor Award Promotes Community Connection

How to Get a Property Tax Abatement for a Rental Income Property in Massachusetts

Freakonomics Looks at the Problem of Rent Control

Can a Landlord Put Professional Cleaning Fees in a Lease?

New Proposed Sanitary Code Changes Include Fridges, Mold Control

Changes to Sanitary Code ask Homeless Shelters to Wash Blankets, Increase Sleeping Space

Should I Have My Rental’s Common Areas on Their Own Electric Meter?

Davis v Comerford

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